India Aims High: Olympic Table Tennis Coach Sets Sights Beyond Qualification

India not content with just qualifying for team events at Paris Games, says coach

India will compete in the men's and women's table tennis team event at the Olympics for the first time at the Paris Games after climbing into the top 16 in the rankings, but the team's coach Massimo Costantini is still not satisfied. India's table tennis team have had some success at the Commonwealth Games but failed to match that at the Olympics and Asian Games. However, their qualification for the team events, introduced in 2008, has renewed hopes of a first-ever Olympic medal in the sport, with the Indian men's team ranked 14th in the world as of July, while the women's team was 11th. "I think making the team event is already a big achievement because being in the top 16 in the world is not easy," Costantini told Reuters. "But for me it's (the rankings) too close, like wearing clothes that are too tight. You're not comfortable, you need to be comfortable to perform as required," he said. "My goal is to not to fight at the last minute to make the top 16, but to be in the top 10, top eight, or even top four. To not even have the doubt whether India will play in the team events at the Olympics or not." 'We need more stability' One of India's leading prospects at the Olympics will be 2018 Commonwealth Games champion Manika Batra, who broke into the top 25 this year and achieved a career-high ranking of 24 after her victory at the Saudi Smash in May. Batra (ranked 28) and Sreeja Akula (ranked 25), are among the women leading India's charge up the rankings. "We have to be consistent in taking opportunities. We don't want just sporadic occasional results that make us climb the world ranking. We need more stability," Costantini said. "Manika was up there for almost one year, hovering between 35 and 38. She was maintaining her performances quite well, and then one competition helped her make that jump. The women have had great results, they did well. But we can do much better." The Italian coach added that he has been using data provided by artificial intelligence to improve his players, with the team partnering up with Indian sports analytics company Stupa Sports Analytics for a training camp. "Technology and AI can help have a better understanding of performance. Sometimes the words of the coach are not enough," added Costantini, who returned to the Indian table tennis set up for a third stint this year. "Besides the words we can have something objective. You can think you played well, but through these reports and data, you know you actually were just okay, or you think you played horrible and actually were very, very good. "We're just making little adjustments, like they do in motorsport, where small details can reduce the time maybe by one millisecond. In table tennis, it is exactly the same." The Olympic table tennis tournament will take place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 27 to August 10. Read Comments

India not content with just qualifying for team events at Paris Games, says coach

India's Manika Batra during the World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in Busan. -- Reuters file India will compete in the men's and women's table tennis team event at the Olympics for the first time at the Paris Games after climbing into the top 16 in the rankings, but coach Massimo Costantini is still not satisfied. India's table tennis team have had some success at the Commonwealth Games but have failed to match that at the Olympics and Asian Games. However, their qualification for the team events, introduced in 2008, has renewed hopes of a first-ever Olympic medal in the sport, with the Indian men's team ranked 14th in the world as of July, while the women's team was 11th. "I think making the team event is already a big achievement, because being in the top 16 in the world is not easy," Costantini told Reuters. "But for me it's (the rankings) too close, like wearing clothes that are too tight. You're not comfortable, you need to be comfortable to perform as required. "My goal is to not to fight at the last minute to make the top 16, but to be in the top 10, top eight, or even top four. To not even have the doubt whether India will play in the team events at the Olympics or not." One of India's leading prospects at the Olympics will be 2018 Commonwealth Games champion Manika Batra, who broke into the top 25 this year and achieved a career-high ranking of 24 after her victory at the Saudi Smash in May. Batra (ranked 28) and Sreeja Akula (ranked 25), are among the women leading India's charge up the rankings. "We have to be consistent in taking opportunities. We don't want just sporadic occasional results that make us climb the world ranking. We need more stability," Costantini said. "Manika was up there for almost one year, hovering between 35 and 38. She was maintaining her performances quite well, and then one competition helped her make that jump. The women have had great results, they did well. But we can do much better." The Italian coach added that he has been using data provided by artificial intelligence to improve his players, with the team partnering up with Indian sports analytics company Stupa Sports Analytics for a training camp.

'My goal is to be in top four' - India's Table Tennis coach unsatisfied with mere 'Olympic qualification'

India's table tennis team have had some success at the Commonwealth Games but have failed to match that at the Olympics and Asian Games. However, their qualification for the team events, introduced in 2008, has renewed hopes of a first-ever Olympic medal in the sport, with the Indian men's team ranked 14th in the world as of July, while the women's team was 11th. India will compete in the men's and women's table tennis team event at the Olympics for the first time at the Paris Games after climbing into the top 16 in the rankings, but coach Massimo Costantini is still not satisfied. India's table tennis team have had some success at the Commonwealth Games but have failed to match that at the Olympics and Asian Games. However, their qualification for the team events, introduced in 2008, has renewed hopes of a first-ever Olympic medal in the sport, with the Indian men's team ranked 14th in the world as of July, while the women's team was 11th. "I think making the team event is already a big achievement, because being in the top 16 in the world is not easy," Costantini told Reuters. "But for me it's (the rankings) too close, like wearing clothes that are too tight. You're not comfortable, you need to be comfortable to perform as required. "My goal is to not to fight at the last minute to make the top 16, but to be in the top 10, top eight, or even top four. To not even have the doubt whether India will play in the team events at the Olympics or not." ALSO READ: Leander Paes, Vijay Amritraj create history by joining International Tennis Hall of Fame One of India's leading prospects at the Olympics will be 2018 Commonwealth Games champion Manika Batra, who broke into the top 25 this year and achieved a career-high ranking of 24 after her victory at the Saudi Smash in May. Batra (ranked 28) and Sreeja Akula (ranked 25), are among the women leading India's charge up the rankings. "We have to be consistent in taking opportunities. We don't want just sporadic occasional results that make us climb the world ranking. We need more stability," Costantini said. "Manika was up there for almost one year, hovering between 35 and 38. She was maintaining her performances quite well, and then one competition helped her make that jump. The women have had great results, they did well. But we can do much better." The Italian coach added that he has been using data provided by artificial intelligence to improve his players, with the team partnering up with Indian sports analytics company Stupa Sports Analytics for a training camp. "Technology and AI can help have a better understanding of performance. Sometimes the words of the coach are not enough," added Costantini, who returned to the Indian table tennis set up for a third stint this year. "Besides the words we can have something objective. You can think you played well, but through these reports and data, you know you actually were just okay, or you think you played horrible and actually were very, very good. "We're just making little adjustments, like they do in motorsport, where small details can reduce the time maybe by one millisecond. In table tennis, it is exactly the same." The Olympic table tennis tournament will take place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 27 to Aug. 10.

Our Goal is to Compete and Win, Says India's Olympic Table Tennis Coach Massimo Constantini - News18

Batra (ranked 28) and Sreeja Akula (ranked 25), are among the women leading India's charge up the rankings. India will compete in the men's and women's table tennis team event at the Olympics for the first time at the Paris Games after climbing into the top 16 in the rankings, but coach Massimo Costantini is still not satisfied. India's table tennis team have had some success at the Commonwealth Games but have failed to match that at the Olympics and Asian Games. However, their qualification for the team events, introduced in 2008, has renewed hopes of a first-ever Olympic medal in the sport, with the Indian men's team ranked 14th in the world as of July, while the women's team was 11th. "I think making the team event is already a big achievement, because being in the top 16 in the world is not easy," Costantini told Reuters. "But for me it's (the rankings) too close, like wearing clothes that are too tight. You're not comfortable, you need to be comfortable to perform as required. "My goal is to not to fight at the last minute to make the top 16, but to be in the top 10, top eight, or even top four. To not even have the doubt whether India will play in the team events at the Olympics or not." One of India's leading prospects at the Olympics will be 2018 Commonwealth Games champion Manika Batra, who broke into the top 25 this year and achieved a career-high ranking of 24 after her victory at the Saudi Smash in May. Batra (ranked 28) and Sreeja Akula (ranked 25), are among the women leading India's charge up the rankings. "We have to be consistent in taking opportunities. We don't want just sporadic occasional results that make us climb the world ranking. We need more stability," Costantini said. "Manika was up there for almost one year, hovering between 35 and 38. She was maintaining her performances quite well, and then one competition helped her make that jump. The women have had great results, they did well. But we can do much better." The Italian coach added that he has been using data provided by artificial intelligence to improve his players, with the team partnering up with Indian sports analytics company Stupa Sports Analytics for a training camp. Technology and AI can help have a better understanding of performance. Sometimes the words of the coach are not enough," added Costantini, who returned to the Indian table tennis set up for a third stint this year. "Besides the words we can have something objective. You can think you played well, but through these reports and data, you know you actually were just okay, or you think you played horrible and actually were very, very good. "We're just making little adjustments, like they do in motorsport, where small details can reduce the time maybe by one millisecond. In table tennis, it is exactly the same." The Olympic table tennis tournament will take place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 27 to Aug. 10.

Olympics-India not content with just qualifying for team events at Paris Games, says coach

India's table tennis team have had some success at the Commonwealth Games but have failed to match that at the Olympics and Asian Games. However, their qualification for the team events, introduced in 2008, has renewed hopes of a first-ever Olympic medal in the sport, with the Indian men's team ranked 14th in the world as of July, while the women's team was 11th. "I think making the team event is already a big achievement, because being in the top 16 in the world is not easy," Costantini told Reuters. "But for me it's (the rankings) too close, like wearing clothes that are too tight. You're not comfortable, you need to be comfortable to perform as required. "My goal is to not to fight at the last minute to make the top 16, but to be in the top 10, top eight, or even top four. To not even have the doubt whether India will play in the team events at the Olympics or not." One of India's leading prospects at the Olympics will be 2018 Commonwealth Games champion Manika Batra, who broke into the top 25 this year and achieved a career-high ranking of 24 after her victory at the Saudi Smash in May. Batra (ranked 28) and Sreeja Akula (ranked 25), are among the women leading India's charge up the rankings. "We have to be consistent in taking opportunities. We don't want just sporadic occasional results that make us climb the world ranking. We need more stability," Costantini said. "Manika was up there for almost one year, hovering between 35 and 38. She was maintaining her performances quite well, and then one competition helped her make that jump. The women have had great results, they did well. But we can do much better." The Italian coach added that he has been using data provided by artificial intelligence to improve his players, with the team partnering up with Indian sports analytics company Stupa Sports Analytics for a training camp. "Technology and AI can help have a better understanding of performance. Sometimes the words of the coach are not enough," added Costantini, who returned to the Indian table tennis set up for a third stint this year. "Besides the words we can have something objective. You can think you played well, but through these reports and data, you know you actually were just okay, or you think you played horrible and actually were very, very good. "We're just making little adjustments, like they do in motorsport, where small details can reduce the time maybe by one millisecond. In table tennis, it is exactly the same." The Olympic table tennis tournament will take place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 27 to Aug. 10. (Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by William Mallard)

India not content with just qualifying for team events at Paris Games: Table Tennis coach | Paris Olympics 2024 News - Times of India

NEW DELHI: India is set to make history by competing in both the men's and women's table tennis team events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, having climbed into the top 16 in global rankings. Head coach Massimo Costantini is pushing for even greater achievements, aiming for India's consistent presence in the upper echelons of the world rankings. The Indian table tennis teams have experienced success at the Commonwealth Games but have faced challenges in replicating this at the Olympics and Asian Games.Their qualification for the team events, which were introduced in 2008, has reignited hopes for an Olympic medal. As of July, the men's team is ranked 14th and the women's team is ranked 11th in the world. "I think making the team event is already a big achievement, because being in the top 16 in the world is not easy," Costantini told Reuters. "But for me it's (the rankings) too close, like wearing clothes that are too tight. You're not comfortable, you need to be comfortable to perform as required." Costantini's aspirations extend well beyond merely qualifying for the Olympics. "My goal is to not to fight at the last minute to make the top 16, but to be in the top 10, top eight, or even top four. To not even have the doubt whether India will play in the team events at the Olympics or not." One of India's leading prospects for the Olympics is Manika Batra, the 2018 Commonwealth Games champion. Batra entered the top 25 in the global rankings this year, achieving a career-high ranking of 24 after winning the Saudi Smash in May. Currently, Batra is ranked 28, while her teammate Sreeja Akula holds a ranking of 25, both playing pivotal roles in India's rise in the rankings. "We have to be consistent in taking opportunities," Costantini emphasized. We don't want just sporadic occasional results that make us climb the world ranking. We need more stability. Manika was up there for almost one year, hovering between 35 and 38. She was maintaining her performances quite well, and then one competition helped her make that jump. The women have had great results, they did well. But we can do much better." To improve the team's performance, Costantini has been utilizing data from artificial intelligence. He has partnered with Indian sports analytics company Stupa Sports Analytics for a training camp. "Technology and AI can help have a better understanding of performance. Sometimes the words of the coach are not enough," said Costantini, who returned for a third stint with the Indian team this year. "Besides the words we can have something objective. You can think you played well, but through these reports and data, you know you actually were just okay, or you think you played horrible and actually were very, very good. We're just making little adjustments, like they do in motorsport, where small details can reduce the time maybe by one millisecond. In table tennis, it is exactly the same." The Olympic table tennis tournament will be held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 27 to August 10. India is not just aiming to participate but to vie for a historic medal. The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.